What's the difference between
and
Enter two words to compare and contrast their definitions, origins, and synonyms to better understand how those words are related.

Watchword vs Safeword - What's the difference?

watchword | safeword |

As nouns the difference between watchword and safeword

is that watchword is a prearranged reply to the challenge of a sentry or a guard; a password or signal by which friends can be known from enemies while safeword is a word used in sadomasochistic sexual practices to indicate that a participant wants to stop.

watchword

English

Noun

(en noun)
  • a prearranged reply to the challenge of a sentry or a guard; a password or signal by which friends can be known from enemies
  • a word used as a motto, as expressive of a principle or rule of action; a maxim, byword
  • * 1919 , :
    • Atrocities of the most vicious kind were justified by the watchwords : "This is war!" "Might is Right." "Necessity knows no law."
  • a rallying cry

    • See also

    * passphrase * password

    References

    *

    safeword

    English

    (wikipedia safeword)

    Noun

    (en noun)
  • (BDSM) A word used in sadomasochistic sexual practices to indicate that a participant wants to stop.
  • * 2004 , Felice Newman, The Whole Lesbian Sex Book
    • Likewise, a top's ability to respond to your safeword is what makes her a safe partner.
  • * 2006 , Tristan Taormino, The Ultimate Guide to Anal Sex for Women
    • If you don't like something that's happening or you want the scene to stop right away, simply say your safeword .
  • * 2007 , Sloan Christopher, Dangerous Obsession
    • My guess is our victims probably used their safewords or protested at some point, but our guy doesn't care about safewords or the BDSM creed...